Early Origins of the Hearndon family

The surname Hearndon was first found in Bedfordshire (Old English: Bedanfordscir), located in Southeast-central England, formerly part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, where they held a family seat from ancient times. Harrowden is a one-street hamlet in Bedfordshire. Great Harrowden and Little Harrowden are parishes and villages in Northamptonshire that date back to the Domesday Book of 1086 where collectively they were known as Hargedone. [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) The place name literally means "hill of the heathen shrines or temples," from the Old English words "hearg" + "dun." [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4) Ironically "Little" Harrowden has more inhabitants that "Great" Harroweden and that has been the case for more than 100 years. In the 15th century the manors of Great and Little Harrowden were held by Sir William Vaux who was slain at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Great Harrowden Hall was built between 1716 and 1719. The All Saints Church dates back to Norman times and is famous for its medieval Doom (painting.) There is also a brass to William Harrowden from the 16th century located there.

Early History of the Hearndon family

Early History of the Hearndon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hearndon research.Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1086 and 1756 are included under the topic Early Hearndon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hearndon Spelling Variations

Hearndon Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hearndon were recorded, including Harraden, Harradine, Haridine, Harridine, Horoden, Harnden, Herndon and many more.

Early Notables of the Hearndon family (pre 1700)

Early Notables of the Hearndon family (pre 1700)

Another 21 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hearndon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hearndon family to the New World and Oceana

Migration of the Hearndon family to the New World and Oceana

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hearndon family emigrate to North America: Edward Harraden, who sailed to Massachusetts in 1635; Jabez Harraden, who came to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1836 and Alfred Harraden, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1845..